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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1831-1832
A PROCLAMATION'
Whereas, I have recently seen a publication originating in the Cheroke·e Nation, east of the Mississippi, dated "18th May, 1831," and signed "J. S." which said publication, or lett2r, has been republished in several newspapers, such as the Kentucky Re- porter, United States Telegraph, &c.; and as I presume it will find a general circulation, notwithstanding the absurd personali- ties which it contains- and as it is not the first which has found its way into public prints, containing ridiculous and unfounded abuse of me:- Now, know all men by these presents, that I, Sam Houston, "late Governor of the State of Tennessee," do hueby declare to all scownclrels whornsoeve1·, that they are authorized to accuse, de- fame, calumniate, slander, vilify, and libel me to any Extent, in personal or private abuse. And I do further proclaim, to whom- soever it may concern, that they are hereby permittecl and author- ized to write, indite, print, publish and circulate the same; and that I will in no wise hold them responsible to me in law, or honor, for either the use of the "raw material," or the fabrication of any, or all of the above named articles, connected with the "American System;" nor will I have recourse to nullification, in any case whatsoever, where a conviction would not secure to the culprit the dignity of a penitentiary residence. And as some ingenuity has already been displayed in the exhibition of speci- mens, and others may be induced to invest a small capital in the business, from feelings of emulation and an itching after experi- ment- Be it known for the especial encouragement of all scoun- drels hereafter, as well as those who have already been engaged, that I do solemnly propose, on the first day of April next, to give to the author of the most elegant, refinecl and ingenious lie or calmuny, a handsome gilt copy (Bound in sheep) of the Kentucky Reporter, or a snug plain copy of the United States Telegraph, (bound in dog) since its commencement. Given under my hand and private seal, (having no seal of office) at Nashville, in the State of Tennessee. SAM HOUSTON, 13th July, 1831.
lThe Red Lander (San Augustine, Texas), October 6, 1842. The Texas Democmt {Austin), September ·16, 1846. Niles Reuiste1· (Baltimore), Vol. 40,
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